Hillsborough Lodge has been a cornerstone of the Tampa community since its inception on January 24th, 1850. The charter for our Lodge was granted under dispensation by the Grand Lodge of Florida under the by-laws of Jackson Lodge No.1. The original members of the Lodge were:

The first candidate to receive the Entered Apprentice Degree in Freemasonry was Brother Madison Post, who later became the Mayor of Tampa. Brother Joseph Moore was elected the first Worshipful Master of Hillsborough Lodge, and served the Craft for three consecutive years. He was born August 7, 1799, in Fayetteville, North Carolina and was a member of the US Army. His family emigrated to this country from Ireland.

Our first Lodge building was built on what is known as the corner of Whiting and Franklin Streets, Downtown Tampa, in 1851. The original cost was a mere $2,000! A stock company was formed with 200 shareholders valued at $10 per share. The funds generated from the sale of these stocks provided finances to build the Lodge. Many of the early members of Hillsborough Lodge went on to become prominent members of the community:

The cornerstone for our fourth, and current Temple, was laid on June 18, 1928, by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Florida, Cary B. Fish. The Lodge was constructed at its current location in Downtown Tampa, on the corner of East Kennedy Boulevard and Morgan Street. The first Masonic Lodge meeting in our new Temple was called on February 19, 1929.

Source: A Cornerstone of the Community, by RW C. Donald Prosser

Hillsborough Lodge today remains invaluable to Tampa and Freemasonry. Our Brothers continue to generously support the community and promote relief and charity to our fellow man. We have many intelligent, well recommended men who petition our Lodge for membership with each passing day. If you are interested in learning more about Freemasonry and Hillsborough Lodge, you are invited to visit our Lodge any Thursday between 6pm and 9pm.